Fort Greene

14 Hip Holiday Markets and Indie Pop-Up Shops in NYC

Capsule Market Square.

December 5, 2014

14 Hip Holiday Markets and Indie Pop-Up Shops in NYC

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As December dawns, the holiday gift markets roll in, and it’s harder than ever to turn around in NYC without encountering a pop-up shop or makeshift mall offering everything anyone could ever want–whether they know it yet or not–for the body, mind, soul and home. We've assembled a list of smaller, cooler pop-ups and holiday markets that mix music, food and fun freebies like haircuts, goodie bags and beer with this year’s selection of clever, crafty gifts.
Find out where to get the goods, this way
On Sale Now: An Unofficial Black Friday Bargain Hunt!

135 West 70th Street Penthouse BC; Listing photo Douglas Elliman.

November 28, 2014

On Sale Now: An Unofficial Black Friday Bargain Hunt!

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Late November can be an anxious time for both buyers and sellers; unpleasant weather, family events and just plain seasonal shutdown mode can reduce the traffic at open houses to a trickle and get properties pulled off the market until after New Year’s Day or even springtime. Sellers may panic and prices get cut in the hopes of getting the deal done before year’s end; it’s a good time for intrepid buyers to stay in the game, though, because the competition factor is at a minimum. After reading about Leo DiCaprio who, like Macy’s, Wal-Mart and Kohl’s, jumped the gun on the traditional discount day by price-chopping his haute-holistic Delos Living penthouse, we rounded up some stellar dwellings that received significant markdowns just in time for the popular post-Thanksgiving Day shop-a-thon. So if you’re on the hunt–or you’ve got a two-bed-two-bath-with-killer-views-sized stocking to fill–check out our list of sale merch of the real estate persuasion that–we hope–won't require you to queue up at the crack of dawn.
10 more discounted deals that are better than lords a-leaping
<b>Lights, Camera, Annoyance: Why NYC Is the New Hollywood and Not Everyone’s Happy About It</b>
October 27, 2014

Lights, Camera, Annoyance: Why NYC Is the New Hollywood and Not Everyone’s Happy About It

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Film crews on your block: Yet another thing New Yorkers love to hate, whether it’s a case of grumble-brag or a genuine inconvenience. Some people love the opportunity to watch their favorite shows being made (and maybe get a peek at their favorite stars) and argue that it boosts the local economy. Others give the whole gig a big two thumbs down.
Find out who’s filming, where and when–and how you can make the most of it.
Has the Failed B2 Tower Ruined Large-Scale Prefab Housing for the City?

Photo © Field Condition

October 27, 2014

Has the Failed B2 Tower Ruined Large-Scale Prefab Housing for the City?

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Prefab housing has taken the world by storm in the last years, lauded for its low cost and flexibility, with buildings ranging from single-family homes to art schools popping up across the globe. But not until Forest City Ratner's plan for B2 BKLYN have we seen an attempt to build a large-scale module tower topping out at 32-stories—the world's tallest prefab tower. It's well known that the project has been a big flop; construction was far slower than originally projected and was halted in August amidst disputes between the builder, Skansa USA, and the developer, Forest City Ratner. In September lawsuits went flying, both pointing fingers as to why the whole thing failed. Forest City blamed the execution of the plan, while Skanska said the design was flawed. Fast-forward to today, and the work on the tower has been shut down with only 10 stories erected. A recent WSJ article looks at where the whole thing went awry, and more importantly: Is pre-fab construction even feasible at such a scale?
READ MORE
Fort Greene Apartment in Former Seminary Has Us Praising Its Incredible Windows
October 3, 2014

Fort Greene Apartment in Former Seminary Has Us Praising Its Incredible Windows

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Formerly a seminary, the gothic-style structure sitting in Fort Greene at the crossroads of Prospect Heights and Clinton Hill was reborn as Cathedral Condominiums, and this 1,100-square-foot home within is certainly one to be worshipped. No matter what your religious persuasion there’s no denying the windows in this stunning condo at 555 Washington Avenue are a blessing.
See why this condo has us singing its praises
Isabella Rossellini’s Daughter Buys Eerie $2M Fort Greene Townhouse
September 30, 2014

Isabella Rossellini’s Daughter Buys Eerie $2M Fort Greene Townhouse

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Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann, daughter of famed Italian actress and model Isabella Rossellini, has just picked up a $2.2 million Fort Greene townhouse, according to city records. And the beautifully historic, yet slightly disheveled home at 23 South Elliott Place would make the perfect backdrop for a fashionably eerie photo shoot (or some really good Instagrams). Built in 1870, and part of the Fort Greene Historic District, the five-bedroom home is currently configured as a two-family residence, but we're guessing Ms. Rossellini isn't going to be looking for roommates and will likely convert it back to a single-family dwelling.
Tour the historic, sepia-toned home here
<b>Goldilocks Blocks: Vanderbilt Avenue in Wallabout, Brooklyn</b>

Between hyper-developed hotspots, main drags in up-and-comers, and those genuinely avoidable areas, there can often be found a city’s “just-right” zones. They aren’t commonly known, but these micro-neighborhoods often hide within them real estate gems coupled with perfectly offbeat vibes. Continuing our Goldilocks Blocks series, this week we turn to Brooklyn.

September 29, 2014

Goldilocks Blocks: Vanderbilt Avenue in Wallabout, Brooklyn

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The culturally rich, architecturally stunning Brooklyn neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill need little introduction. The Brooklyn Navy Yard to the north is busily growing as a start-up business incubator and creative and commercial hub. An “in-between” zone—the sort of area that engenders a question mark and a furrowed brow when perusing neighborhood maps—lies just north of Myrtle Avenue and south of the Navy Yard. Known as Wallabout, the area was named for Wallabout Bay to the north, much of which was filled in to create the Navy Yard in the 19th century. Unique among its neighbors, a block-long stretch of this border district feels more like a small-town side street than a growing urban crossroads.
Find out what makes this historic block so special, and why it’s likely to stay that way.
From Four-Family to One: MAS Architectures’ Unique Carlton Avenue Conversion in Fort Greene
September 18, 2014

From Four-Family to One: MAS Architectures’ Unique Carlton Avenue Conversion in Fort Greene

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When tasked with converting this historic brownstone on Carlton Avenue in Fort Greene from an existing four-family residence to a single home for a growing brood, MANIFOLD Architecture Studio (MAS) appears to have focused on the one item that unified the building from the start – the stairway.
See more of MAS' Carlton Street conversion
Penthouse Sales Launch at Brooklyn’s Tallest Skyscraper, 388 Bridge
September 15, 2014

Penthouse Sales Launch at Brooklyn’s Tallest Skyscraper, 388 Bridge

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Downtown Brooklyn's most talked about new development—and tallest tower—has just announced the launch of its 'Penthouse Collection'. Located at 388 Bridge, 40 penthouses ranging from 1,144 square feet to 2,371 square feet on floors 45 through 53, have been priced at $1.742 million and up. The units offer up 360-degree views looking out to Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, and several residences have been set up as duplexes with outdoor terraces.
Find out more here including pricing
Landmarked Fort Greene Stable Perfectly Suited for Two-Legged Residents with $1.2M to Spare
September 12, 2014

Landmarked Fort Greene Stable Perfectly Suited for Two-Legged Residents with $1.2M to Spare

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It’s hard to imagine a place as crowded and cosmopolitan as New York City once being filled with the clip-clop of equine hooves, but at the turn of the century it is estimated there were 130,000 horses working in Manhattan—more than 10 times the number of taxicabs on the streets here today! In most cases, the stables that housed our four-legged friends have long since been razed to make way for buildings more suitable to modern commercial enterprise or human occupancy. Fortunately, the Feuchtwanger Stable located at 159 Carlton Avenue in Fort Greene didn’t meet a similar fate. Nearly a century after its construction in 1888, this gorgeous Romanesque Revival building was designated by the National Register of Historic Places and subsequently underwent a stunning condo conversion now home to a lovely one-bedroom apartment.
Read on to see one stable that survived
Turn-of-the-Century Firehouse with Eclectic Past Has an Extraordinary 21st Century Presence
August 29, 2014

Turn-of-the-Century Firehouse with Eclectic Past Has an Extraordinary 21st Century Presence

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It was built as a water tower, was home to the NYC Fire Department Engine 256, designated a civil defense bomb shelter, and housed the production studio of a celebrated film maker for 20+ years, but now this former firehouse at 124 Dekalb Avenue in Fort Greene has been converted into two glorious duplex loft apartments ready for someone new to put their own personal stamp on the building’s historical footprint.
Go inside this unique space
$3M Turn-of-the-Century Clinton Hill Brownstone is Not Updated or Modern – and Absolutely Stunning
August 15, 2014

$3M Turn-of-the-Century Clinton Hill Brownstone is Not Updated or Modern – and Absolutely Stunning

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The minute we laid eyes on the interior of this 4,400-square-foot home at 331 Washington Avenue in Clinton Hill we knew we happened upon something special. While it’s true the million dollar listings we typically feature boast some of the most gorgeously renovated spaces in the city, there’s no denying the timeless beauty of this turn-of-the-century residence built in 1899. Located in the heart of the Clinton Hill Historic District, the dramatic scale and original details at every turn evoke the grandeur of Brooklyn’s most prestigious homes. The gracious parlor entrance with an original pier mirror and striking dark wood staircase sets the tone for the rest of the interior. Sure the treads on the stairs are worn and tattered, but look at that gorgeous wood; a little refinishing and your entryway will be transformed into a magnificent first impression.
Check out the incredible home here
Fort Greene Co-op Puts You Squarely in the Middle of Brownstone Paradise
August 13, 2014

Fort Greene Co-op Puts You Squarely in the Middle of Brownstone Paradise

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There’s a reason Forgotten New York toyed with the label “Brownstone Paradise” for Fort Greene’s South Portland Avenue and Time Out New York named it one of the “50 Best Blocks in NYC”: living here is like owning a little slice of heaven. When you think of a classic brownstone, 21 South Portland Avenue is exactly what comes to mind – along with all of its similar-looking neighbors on both sides of the street. On closer inspection, the varying ornamentation becomes apparent, and each building exudes its own distinct personality, contributing to the street’s reputation as one of Brooklyn’s most coveted and gorgeous.
Check out what's inside this beautiful brownstone
Charming Italianate-Style Townhome in Fort Greene Sells for $3.3 Million
July 31, 2014

Charming Italianate-Style Townhome in Fort Greene Sells for $3.3 Million

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The one-to-two family dwelling at 20 South Oxford Street must have made quite an impression on a few buyers. An apparent bidding war drove the price up from its initial $2.65 million asking to a final sale price of $3.3 million, according to city records. Located on a quiet, tree-lined street in the Fort Greene Historic District, this three-story Italianate-style home has a garden-level apartment with a separate entrance that can serve as an income suite or a fourth level. In addition, the home boasts high ceilings; a large backyard accented by a 123-square-foot deck; and many original details from its 1854 inception, including original marble mantles on each of the home’s six decorative fireplaces.
Take a look inside, here
Brooklyn Family Expands Fort Greene Townhouse with Airy Garden Pavilion by O’Neill McVoy Architects
July 28, 2014

Brooklyn Family Expands Fort Greene Townhouse with Airy Garden Pavilion by O’Neill McVoy Architects

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Few things look more out of place than a clunky new addition to a beautiful historic house, especially in a neighborhood as quaint and peaceful as tree-lined Fort Greene. So when the owners of this 19th-century townhouse wanted to expand and make room for two growing teenage daughters, they sought out a team who could do it seamlessly: Beth O'Neill and Chris McVoy of O'Neill McVoy Architects.
Check out the lovely new addition straight ahead
Bull Head Not Included in This Cheery Fort Greene Apartment
July 25, 2014

Bull Head Not Included in This Cheery Fort Greene Apartment

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This apartment might not come with that funky piece of western decor, but don't let that deter you just yet. This cheery one bedroom apartment has plenty more to offer. If the bright, light-filled rooms don't sell you, maybe the private terrace will. Still want more? How about the unit's location in the Meltzer Mandl Architects-designed Clermont Greene? The sleek, curving residential is an ultra modern super abode, and best of all, comes with a large, beautifully landscaped courtyard.
See what else this Brooklyn apartment hides
New Renderings of Two Trees’ BAM South Tower Highlight Views, Green Roofs and Space for Outdoor Markets
July 8, 2014

New Renderings of Two Trees’ BAM South Tower Highlight Views, Green Roofs and Space for Outdoor Markets

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New images of the BAM South Tower at 286 Ashland Place have emerged and come courtesy of the project's landscape architect, Grain Collective. The renderings hint not only at the incredible views that will be afforded by the new tower, but the major rehaul of the public spaces along Fulton Street, Ashland Place and Lafayette Avenue. The new streetscaping plan will add much needed green space to the barren concrete quarter, with plenty of room for outdoor activities and events for patrons of BAM and BRIC, as well as local residents, to enjoy.
More of what's to come here
Why Is This Fort Greene Residence All Lit Up?
June 22, 2014

Why Is This Fort Greene Residence All Lit Up?

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As New Yorkers, we have long come to terms with living in small spaces — we cram into tiny studios, fashion herb gardens on fire escapes and even wrap our apartments with shelves for storage space. But we're also a stylish bunch, always looking for ways to make our homes stand out. So when the owners of this Brooklyn residence wanted to tie in their many rooms without losing any space, the partners at Taylor and Miller Architecture and Design came up with a creative plan.
Click to see the interiors...
City Approves $3 Million Streetscaping Plan for Downtown Brooklyn Cultural District
June 18, 2014

City Approves $3 Million Streetscaping Plan for Downtown Brooklyn Cultural District

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The city has officially approved a $3 million streetscaping plan as part of the overall plan to create a cultural district on the border of downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene, according to Crain’s New York. The plan, which will transform public spaces along several streets including Fulton Street, Ashland Place, Lafayette Avenue, will include ripping up the existing sidewalks and replacing them with dark stone slabs embedded with a sprinkling of lights. There will also be new seating and landscaping along a number of blocks north of Atlantic Avenue where patrons of popular institutions like the Brooklyn Academy of Music and BRIC arts and media gather. The idea is to turn that area into a cultural epicenter in Brooklyn, much like Lincoln Center in Manhattan, but comprised of several independent entities.
Find out more about Brooklyn's new cultural epicenter here
Growth Spurt: Brooklyn’s Tallest Tower at 333 Schermerhorn Will Soar Even Higher Than Expected

L to R: Williamsburg Savings Bank (One Hanson), The Brooklyner, 388 Bridge Street, Avalon Willoughby West, The Hub

June 17, 2014

Growth Spurt: Brooklyn’s Tallest Tower at 333 Schermerhorn Will Soar Even Higher Than Expected

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Construction filings from the Department of Buildings have revealed that Douglas Steiner's mixed use tower at 333 Schermerhorn Street, dubbed the Hub, will soar 30 feet higher than previously reported; making it the top contender for Brooklyn's tallest building at 607-feet. For more than 80 years, the title of Brooklyn's tallest belonged to the 512-foot Williamsburg Savings Bank tower at 1 Hanson Place. With its beloved 4-sided clock tower and its majestic banking hall, the tower has stood in relative isolation since its construction in 1929. Bruce Ratner's Atlantic Yards centerpiece building nicknamed "Miss Brooklyn," was the first to challenge the tower's dominance and was slated to soar more than 100-feet above the bank building's dome. The proposal incited uproar from Brooklynites, leading to its eventual downsizing in 2006 to 511-feet, just one foot shorter than the neighboring bank building.
More about The Hub and Brooklyn's tallest this way
Brooklyn Navy Yard Gears Up for Expansion, 1.8 Million Square Feet to be Added
June 9, 2014

Brooklyn Navy Yard Gears Up for Expansion, 1.8 Million Square Feet to be Added

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Over the years, the Brooklyn Navy Yard has become a modern manufacturing pole, and it has grown to host spaces for everyone from furniture makers to photographers to even financial services companies. Demand for space has grown tremendously, and in response, the Navy Yard has announced plans to create another 1.8 million square feet of space for both future and current tenants looking to grow their businesses.
More of what's in store this way
Catsimatidis’s 30 Year Development Plan on Myrtle Avenue is Finally Underway
May 20, 2014

Catsimatidis’s 30 Year Development Plan on Myrtle Avenue is Finally Underway

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Patience is a virtue; one that billionaire tycoon and former mayoral candidate John Catsimatidis clearly has in droves. Cats demonstrated this when he had the foresight to purchase a block of land on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene, over 30 years ago, back when the street was appropriately nicknamed Murder Avenue. Not many people would have seen the value in property in an area where Cats jokes that he had to carry two guns “just in case one of the guns runs out of bullets”. However, Cats saw it as a worthy investment. And boy was he right. A few decades and a change of zoning laws have allowed Cats to turn this once terrifying spot into the building site of 4 residential skyscrapers with retail stores on the ground floor. Not a bad deal for a piece of property purchased for under a million dollars says the understatement of the century.
Learn more about Catsimatidis' development project here
10 New York Neighborhoods for Artists Now

Update: Check out our 2017 edition for the latest!

May 20, 2014

10 New York Neighborhoods for Artists Now

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It’s become all too common in New York City — artists move into a neighborhood, make it trendy and culturally vibrant, and then are forced out by rising rents. It happened in Greenwich Village, Soho, the East Village, DUMBO, and Williamsburg. Do not be disheartened, though, there are still plenty of artist enclaves with thriving creative communities. Ahead are our ten current frontrunners — some may surprise you!
Where the artists are flocking
Works Commence on the BAM North and South Towers in Fort Greene
May 13, 2014

Works Commence on the BAM North and South Towers in Fort Greene

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It's going to be a noisy summer for those living in the BAM Cultural District. Works have started on not one, but two of the glassy towers planned for the area. The two towers will be located at 286 Ashland Place and 590 Fulton Street, and are designed by Ten Arquitectos and FXFOWLE, respectively. Heavy machinery was recently delivered to the sites and excavation has begun. The two projects are part of a major re-haul of the area around BAM into a new cultural hub for Brooklyn.
More on the two towers here
Explore the Homes of Brooklyn’s Most Interesting Residents on This Year’s Fort Greene House Tour
April 29, 2014

Explore the Homes of Brooklyn’s Most Interesting Residents on This Year’s Fort Greene House Tour

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Fort Greene is easily one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in all of Brooklyn. With tree-lined streets and plenty of historic homes and churches throughout, just strolling its blocks will usually send you into a state of architectural splendor. This weekend is your chance to take a look inside these incredible spaces. Sponsored by the Fort Greene Association, this ambitious self-guided walking tour offers unique insights into the neighborhood's thriving new cultural district, as well as its coveted homes. See an assortment of townhouses and private residences, including a quirky brownstone featured in an episode of HBO’s hit series Girls!
Find out where to get tickets here
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